May 11, 2008 04:03 pm
—
U.S. Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., arrived in Picher, Okla., at 8:30 a.m. Sunday where he was given a tour of the tornado damage by local residents.
Inhofe said he had spoken with David Paulison, the director of FEMA, who had assured him that FEMA’s assistance would be immediately available when Gov. Brad Henry asks for disaster assistance from the federal government.
Inhofe said he will also work to ensure that the ongoing federal buyout and relocation of families from Picher is not impeded by the disaster. He said property owners who have lost their homes can still receive assistance from the Lead-Impacted Communities Relocation Assistance Trust.
Gov. Henry was to tour the site this afternoon.
The tornado cut a swath across the south end of Picher in a diagonal fashion, going from the northwest to southeast. At least six people were killed and at least six people are still missing.
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Photos
Gary Crow...Upper Left road is South Connell Street.